Education
Trained as nurse, Johannesburg Non-European Hospital.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on the Status of Women
Trained as nurse, Johannesburg Non-European Hospital.
Joined ANC Women’s League, active in Federation of South African Women, to which the Women’s League was affiliated, 1948. Involved in Defence Campaign, women’s protest against passes, 1956, campaign against introduction of bantu education. During latter campaign her Orlando West home served as a classroom for community schools, which continued until unregistered schools were made illegal.
Detained for three months, 1963. Placed under banning orders, 1964-1983, including ten years of house arrest. Charged with furthering aims of ANC by attending funeral, 1982, found guilty, 1984 and sentenced to four years imprisonment, sentence set aside on appeal.
Elected unopposed as Transvaal Pres, of UDF, while in custody awaiting trial, 1983. Charged with high treason along with 15 other Mems. of South African Workers’ Union, UDF, Natal Indian Congress, Transvaal Indian Congress and Release Mandela Committee, charges were dropped against 12 of 16 including Sisulu, following collapse of state evidence on revolutionary politics, 1985. Restriction order placed on her again, 1988.
Formed part of delegation of prominent Soweto residents in rent crisis, 1988. Part of UDF delegation to meet President George Bush, 1989, invited to Washington as part of broad consultations between United States admin, and South African Leaders. Now serves on Committee to re-establish ANC Women’s League.
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